United Defeated Europe

Manchester United have defeated Europe XI 4-3 at Old Trafford on Wednesday in the match played to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

Rooney netted twice and Ronaldo scored with a marvellous free-kick. Wes Brown completed our scorers while Malouda and Diouf who got a brace were on target for the European eleven.

It was a spectacular event in a friendly mood tempered only by the booing the Liverpool players received and what I was ashamed of.

Rooney's first goal was particularly sensational and I never expected our 3rd string in the second half to be able to cope with the opponents who tightened the scoreline to 4-3 after we tore them apart in the first half.

It was a really fantastic event and it was good to see all these footballers in a relaxed mood. Robbie Fowler actually looked like a nice guy and I repeat, it's a shame that he and his colleagues were booed off the pitch.

One player who disappointed in my opinion was Smith. He should have shown some more spark, courage even in a friendly game if he aims to get back into the team. He did not convince me he should start against Bolton so I'd go for a Rooney-Giggs partnership up front. Dong made his Old Trafford debut and looked lively, hopefully he's really the lightning-guick, athletic player Sir Alex described him to be.

As for the boss, he was also cheerful throughout the night, talking to his old friend Marcello Lippi and relishing the fact this time he was not under any kind of pressure.